AfterTheWell

Melissa shares her end of the year thoughts as well as dreams for 2025.

SummaryIn this episode of After the Well, Melissa Lapin engages in a heartfelt conversation with Bob Engel, exploring his life journey, faith experiences, and insights on spirituality. Bob shares his upbringing, marriage, and the challenges he faced with organized religion. The discussion delves into the significance of the woman at the well and the prodigal son, emphasizing themes of authenticity, community, and the role of women in ministry. Bob encourages listeners to embrace their unique journeys and to connect with God in a personal and genuine way, free from the constraints of religious expectations.TakeawaysBob's upbringing was deeply rooted in faith despite family challenges.Marriage to Flo has been a cornerstone of Bob's life and happiness.Bob reflects on the importance of authenticity in faith and life.The woman at the well represents a powerful example of acceptance and love.Bob believes in the significance of personal experiences in shaping faith.Women have played crucial roles in ministry throughout history.Community and connection are vital for spiritual growth.Bob's journey illustrates the importance of being real with God.Faith should be about relationship, not religion.Bob encourages listeners to embrace their unique paths in life.

SummaryIn this episode, Melissa Lapin interviews Brannon Nix, who shares his powerful testimony of transformation from a troubled childhood and a life of drug addiction to discovering his identity as a child of God. Brannon discusses the challenges he faced growing up, the struggles with his identity, and the pivotal moments that led him to encounter God in jail. He emphasizes the importance of understanding our true sonship and the power of community in the healing process. Brannon's journey illustrates the profound love and grace of God, and how it can radically change lives. In this conversation, Brannon M Nix and Melissa Lapin explore the profound themes of divine love, identity, and the transformative power of experiencing oneness with the Trinity. They discuss how understanding our true nature as children of God can lead to a deeper relationship with the divine, breaking free from religious constraints, and embracing a life filled with love and community. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of daily awareness of God's love and the journey of self-discovery that comes from recognizing our inherent worth and connection to the divine.TakeawaysYour past does not disqualify you from God's goodness.We are all seeking truth, regardless of our background.The voice of conscience is often God's guidance.Transformation can happen in the darkest places.Encountering God can change everything.Sonship is a fundamental aspect of our identity.Healing often requires community support.Faith is about seeing what is already true.The supernatural can become a natural part of life.God's love is unconditional and transformative. Our realization of oneness with the Trinity is our first nature.We can't earn or lose our connection to divine love.Religion often shuts off our awareness of God's love.Living in truth allows us to experience our true identity.We are created for a continuous experience of divine love.Discovering God's love leads to a deeper love for others.Our daily lives should reflect our relationship with the divine.Community plays a vital role in our spiritual journey.Breaking free from religious bondage opens us to true freedom.Falling in love with love transforms our perspective on life.

SummaryIn this episode, Melissa Lapin interviews Opal Bush, who shares her powerful testimony of faith, resilience, and the impact of her praying grandmother. Opal discusses her experiences growing up in the South, facing adversity, and how her faith has shaped her identity. She recounts her journey through college, becoming the Homecoming Queen at the University of Alabama, and the significance of God's favor in her life. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding one's identity in Christ, the power of presence in witnessing, and breaking free from religious limitations. Opal encourages listeners to embrace their identity as children of God and to recognize the generational blessings that come from faith.TakeawaysFaith and favor are intertwined in our lives.Our identity in Christ empowers us to overcome challenges.Witnessing is about being present and sharing love.Generational blessings can impact our lives significantly.We are called to be the light in a dark world.Understanding our kingship in Christ changes our perspective.Religion can limit our understanding of God's grace.We have the authority to change our circumstances through faith.The power of prayer can transform lives.Embracing our identity in Christ leads to freedom.

SummaryIn this episode, Melissa Lapin interviews Nate Bontrager, who shares his journey from growing up in the Amish community to discovering his faith and identity outside of it. They discuss the challenges and experiences of Rumspringa, the importance of family and sonship, and the shift from a religious mindset to a kingdom perspective. Nate emphasizes the significance of community, connection, and the hunger for righteousness in his spiritual journey.TakeawaysNate grew up Amish and left the community in 2017.Rumspringa was a time of self-discovery for Nate.He experienced a genuine desire to please God during his youth.Leaving the Amish community was a significant life change.Nate emphasizes the importance of family and sonship.He believes that identity should not be tied to religious performance.The shift from religion to kingdom living is crucial for spiritual growth.Nate encourages listeners to embrace their hunger for righteousness.Community and connection are vital in the journey of faith.Nate's current focus is on building a life centered around family and faith.

SummaryIn this conversation, Melissa Lapin and Shanna Fougerousse explore Shanna's journey of healing and self-discovery through faith and the Undivided Heart ministry. They discuss the importance of understanding one's identity, breaking free from limiting beliefs, and the transformative power of engaging with the Trinity. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-love, community support, and the courage to confront one's true self in order to live an abundant life.TakeawaysShanna's journey began in a dysfunctional home, leading to a quest for healing.Experiencing Jesus transformed Shanna's understanding of herself and her worth.Many people struggle with limiting beliefs that hinder their growth.The Undivided Heart ministry focuses on heart healing and self-discovery.Engaging with the Trinity can lead to profound personal transformation.Self-love is essential for loving others authentically.Breaking free from societal expectations allows for true self-expression.Community support is vital in the healing process.Experiencing God personally is more impactful than second-hand beliefs.Living an abundant life requires understanding one's true identity.

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Melissa Lapin and Justin Cook explore themes of faith, theology, and the impact of cults on personal beliefs. Justin shares his journey from a strict religious upbringing to questioning authority and finding grace. They discuss the struggles of growing up in a cult, the importance of community, and the role of questions in faith. The conversation also touches on engaging with new age perspectives and the journey back to God, emphasizing the need for understanding and compassion in spiritual discussions. In this conversation, Melissa Lapin and Justin Cook delve into the themes of spiritual inheritance, the nature of supernatural practices, and the importance of asking the right questions in faith. They explore the concept of the cloud of witnesses, personal experiences with saints and angels, and the theological implications of the new covenant. The discussion emphasizes the need for openness to spiritual encounters and the significance of understanding one's spiritual inheritance.TakeawaysThe importance of community in faith journeys.Questioning authority can lead to deeper understanding.Grace is often overlooked in strict religious teachings.Leaving a cult can lead to a crisis of faith.Engaging with new age perspectives can be enlightening.Personal relationships with God can differ greatly.The journey back to faith can be complex and challenging.Understanding others' beliefs fosters compassion.Cults often attract those seeking genuine connection.Asking questions is essential for spiritual growth. Everything is just bad, according to traditional beliefs.Many Christians miss out on their spiritual inheritance.The devil doesn't invent anything; he twists what already exists.Christians should embrace the supernatural aspects of their faith.Walking on water and other miracles should be part of our inheritance.Asking the right questions can lead to deeper understanding.The cloud of witnesses offers a unique perspective on spirituality.Experiences with saints can provide comfort and guidance.The new covenant opens up new possibilities for believers.It's important to honor and make space for spiritual encounters.

SummaryIn this conversation, Melissa Lapin interviews her friend Kellen about her ministry and the impact of creativity in her community. Kellen shares how her journey with God started when she was 12 or 13 years old and how she found healing and growth through art and music. She talks about the rebranding of her ministry to include her husband and their mission to bring art and music to their community. Kellen also discusses her experiences with Bible art journaling and the prophetic nature of art. She shares a powerful story of using art and music for physical healing during a supernatural school event. Kellyn shares a powerful testimony of how her art was used by God to bring physical healing to a woman with constant pain in her leg. Melissa emphasizes the connection between emotional healing and physical healing, highlighting the impact of our mental state on our bodies. They discuss the importance of creativity in healing and how it is a reflection of our identity as creations of God. They encourage listeners to engage in creative activities as a way to connect with God and experience healing.TakeawaysCreativity can bring joy and healing to individuals and communities.Art and music can be used as tools for worship, healing, and spiritual growth.Bible art journaling can provide a creative and intimate way to engage with scripture.The prophetic nature of art allows for personal interpretation and connection with God.Art and music have the potential to facilitate physical healing and restoration. Art can be a powerful tool for physical and emotional healing.Our mental state and emotions have a significant impact on our physical well-being.Creativity is a reflection of our identity as creations of God.Engaging in creative activities can help us connect with God and experience healing.

SummaryIn this episode of After the Well, Melissa Lapin interviews her friend Dawn Lee. They have an intimate conversation about faith and personal experiences with Jesus. Dawn shares her journey of growing up in the church, questioning traditional beliefs, and finding her own understanding of God's love and grace. They discuss the importance of critical thinking and questioning in faith, and the need to have open and honest conversations about beliefs. The conversation also touches on the story of the woman at the well and the transformative power of encountering Jesus. In this conversation, Melissa and Dawn discuss the importance of sharing the gift of salvation with others and challenging our faith and beliefs. They also touch on the topic of fasting and how it has been misunderstood and misused in religious practices. Dawn shares her passion for tapping into wisdom and the need for constant fellowship with God. They emphasize the oneness of the Trinity and the importance of having a personal relationship with God. Dawn also shares her upcoming plans to launch courses and events centered around purpose and wisdom.TakeawaysQuestioning and critical thinking are important in faith to develop a deeper understanding of beliefs.The traditional teachings of the church can sometimes misrepresent God's love and grace.Encountering Jesus can be a transformative experience that leads to a deeper relationship with Him.Having open and honest conversations about faith and beliefs is essential for personal growth and understanding. We should not keep the gift of salvation to ourselves but share it with others.Challenging our faith and beliefs is important for growth and understanding.Fasting has been misunderstood and misused in religious practices.Tapping into wisdom and having constant fellowship with God is essential.The Trinity is a source of unity and wisdom.Having a personal relationship with God allows for ease and effectiveness in life.Everything we need is already inside of us, and we can tap into it through our relationship with God.Constant conversation with God and asking questions is key to receiving wisdom.Operating from a place of rest and oneness with God allows for expanded capacity and effectiveness.We should not be afraid to ask God for guidance and have open and honest conversations with Him.

Summary In this conversation, Melissa Lapin interviews Shae Bynes, a transformational storyteller and kingdom business advisor. They discuss Shae's journey of encountering Jesus and the importance of understanding His love. Shae shares how she learned to walk with God and embrace the unforced rhythms of grace. They also touch on the need to challenge traditional religious beliefs and the importance of building intimacy with God. In this conversation, Shae Bynes and Melissa Lapin discuss the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with God. They emphasize the need to shift from performing for God to simply being with Him. Shae shares how she started engaging God in questions and seeking His wisdom in all areas of her life. Melissa encourages listeners to ask God questions and to not blindly believe everything they hear or read. They also discuss the significance of small, everyday encounters with God and the importance of gratitude.  Takeaways ·         Encountering Jesus and experiencing His love can transform our relationship with Him.·         Walking with God involves learning to be and work with Him, embracing the unforced rhythms of grace.·         Challenging traditional religious beliefs and embracing a personal, intimate relationship with God can lead to freedom and a deeper understanding of His love.·         Building intimacy with God involves creating space for dialogue, friendship, and a daily connection with Him. Shift from performing for God to simply being with Him·         Engage God in questions and seek His wisdom·         Don't blindly believe everything you hear or read; ask God questions·         Value small, everyday encounters with God·         Cultivate gratitude in your relationship with God

SummaryIn this episode of After the Well, Melissa Lapin engages in a heartfelt conversation with Ina Harriman, exploring her faith journey, spiritual experiences, and the nature of God. They discuss the importance of belief, the role of angels, and the miracles that occur in everyday life. Ina shares her unique encounters with God and emphasizes the goodness of God, encouraging listeners to embrace their identity as children of God. The conversation also touches on the intersection of spirituality and technology, particularly the use of AI in understanding faith. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder of the beauty and interconnectedness of all creation, urging listeners to recognize their worth and the goodness of God.TakeawaysLife is an adventure filled with faith journeys.Growing up in a traditional faith can lead to questioning and exploration.Childhood experiences can shape our understanding of God.Angels can provide protection and guidance in our lives.Miracles are present in everyday occurrences.AI can be a tool for enhancing spiritual understanding.Belief in God's goodness is foundational to faith.We are all part of a larger family in faith.Gratitude for our existence and creation is essential.Recognizing our worth as children of God is vital.

SummaryIn this conversation, Melissa Lapin interviews her friend Brenda Wallish. Brenda shares her personal journey of faith and how she encountered God in her darkest moments. She talks about her experience of hearing God's voice in an audible way and how it changed her life. Brenda also discusses the challenges she faced in her marriage and how she had to overcome religious beliefs that hindered her understanding of God's love and blessings. The conversation highlights the importance of personal encounters with Jesus and the need to let go of religious mindsets. In this conversation, Brenda Wallish and Melissa Lapin discuss the importance of exchanging lies for truth and finding freedom in the relational nature of Jesus. They emphasize the need to let go of shame and embrace the transformative power of encountering Jesus. They also highlight the significance of community and the role of 12-step programs in finding healing and belonging. The conversation explores the story of the woman at the well and how she became an apostle, spreading the message of Jesus. Overall, the conversation encourages listeners to have conversations with Jesus, seek truth, and share their stories.TakeawaysPersonal encounters with Jesus can transform our lives and deepen our faith.Religious beliefs can hinder our understanding of God's love and blessings.It is important to let go of religious mindsets and embrace a personal relationship with God.God meets us in our delusion and desires to bless us, regardless of our past mistakes.We have multiple opportunities to come face to face with Jesus and experience His unconditional love. Exchange lies for truth and have conversations with the relational Jesus.Let go of shame and embrace the transformative power of encountering Jesus.Find healing and belonging in community, including 12-step programs.Embrace the story of the woman at the well and her transformation into an apostle.Seek truth, share your story, and spread the message of Jesus.

SummaryIn this episode, Melissa Lapin interviews Eunike Jonathan, author of the book 'Radical and Reckless.' Eunike shares her journey of growing up as a pastor's kid in a performance-driven environment and feeling dissatisfied with her relationship with God. She talks about her search for love, protection, and tangible experiences of God's goodness. Eunike emphasizes the importance of encountering God for who He truly is and being honest with ourselves about our perceptions and beliefs. She also discusses her experiences of interacting with the cloud of witnesses, including a conversation with the apostle Paul. In this part of the conversation, Eunike Jonathan and Melissa Lapin discuss the unique experience of the apostle Paul and his encounter with Jesus. They highlight how Paul, unlike the disciples, never walked with Jesus on earth but had a powerful revelation and download from Jesus post-ascension. They emphasize that Paul's experience serves as a model for believers today, as they can also experience Jesus and the Holy Spirit in a non-physical and tangible way. They discuss how Paul's understanding of the Old Testament scriptures was transformed in light of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In this conversation, Melissa and Eunike discuss the importance of understanding our identity as beloved children of God. They emphasize the need to humble ourselves and receive God's love, rather than striving to earn it through performance. They also highlight the significance of living in union with God and finding rest in Him. They encourage listeners to trust God in every season, even in the midst of darkness or disobedience, and to allow Him to transform their hearts and perspectives.TakeawaysGrowing up in a performance-driven environment can lead to dissatisfaction in our relationship with God.Encountering God for who He truly is and being honest with ourselves about our perceptions and beliefs is crucial for a genuine relationship with Him.Our perception of things can change our reality, and being open to the supernatural can lead to encounters with the cloud of witnesses.Interacting with the cloud of witnesses can provide unique insights and mentorship in our spiritual journey.Leaving behind religious traditions and embracing a genuine relationship with God can lead to a deeper understanding of His heart. Paul had a unique experience of revelation and download from Jesus post-ascension, unlike the disciples who walked with Jesus on earth.Believers today can also experience Jesus and the Holy Spirit in a non-physical and tangible way, similar to Paul's experience.Paul's understanding of the Old Testament scriptures was transformed in light of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.The encounter with Jesus and the revelation of the gospel can bring true freedom, abundance, and the realities of the kingdom of God into believers' lives. Humble yourself and receive God's love, understanding the value you carry in His eyes.Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, living from a place of righteousness in His kingdom.God loves you even in your darkest and lowest points, and He wants to meet you there.God cares more about you than what He has called you to do.Heaven is not in a hurry, so exhale and trust the process.Love is patient and not transactional; it acts differently when it is mature.Partner with what God thinks about you and attract His love and blessings.Take the time to engage with God and experience the joy and fulfillment of His presence.God sees you and wants to show you His love and purpose for your life.Lean into the process and allow God to disrupt and transform you with His love.

SummaryBrandon Beard shares his journey of faith and spirituality, from growing up in a church-going family to joining the military and experiencing a crisis of faith. He discusses the impact of false theology and the weight of guilt and shame. Brandon's spiritual transformation began in 2009 when he encountered a community that embraced him and introduced him to the prophetic. He learned to discern the voice of God and understand that it often sounds like his own thoughts but with a different thought pattern. Brandon's story highlights the importance of community and the power of encountering God's love and grace. Brandon Beard shares his journey of discovering his identity in Christ and the transformation it has brought to his everyday life. He emphasizes the importance of realizing that God is within us and that there is no separation between us and Him. Brandon also discusses the need for grace and understanding in our relationships with others, and the power of planting seeds and walking alongside people on their spiritual journeys. He encourages listeners to never give up and to seek out communities that will support and guide them in their individuality.TakeawaysFalse theology and guilt can weigh heavily on one's faith journey.Encountering a community that embraces and supports can lead to spiritual transformation.Discerning the voice of God often involves recognizing thoughts that align with a different thought pattern.God's love and grace can bring healing and freedom from guilt and shame. Realize that God is within you and there is no separation between you and Him.Have grace and understanding in your relationships with others.Plant seeds and walk alongside people on their spiritual journeys.Never give up and seek out communities that support and guide you in your individuality.

SummaryIn this episode, Melissa Lapin interviews Dr. Ebony Truss about her journey of unbecoming and rediscovering her true identity. They discuss the importance of not conforming to societal expectations and finding one's unique purpose. They also touch on the pitfalls of following trends and copying others in business and the need to have genuine conversations with God to discover one's true calling. The conversation highlights the significance of living out one's purpose and leaving a lasting legacy. In this conversation, Melissa and Eboni discuss the importance of embracing one's true identity and breaking free from religious and societal expectations. They highlight the need for authentic fellowship and the damaging effects of religious systems that promote fear and control. They encourage listeners to embrace their own experiences with God's goodness and to reject the pressure to conform to others' interpretations of who they should be. The conversation ends with a reminder that everyone has unique gifts and talents that need to be fully expressed.TakeawaysUnbecoming is a process of shedding societal expectations and rediscovering one's true identity and purpose.Copying others and following trends in business can lead to soullessness and a lack of fulfillment.Having genuine conversations with God and seeking His guidance can help uncover one's true calling.Living out one's purpose and leaving a lasting legacy requires staying true to oneself and not conforming to societal pressures. Embrace your true identity and reject societal and religious expectationsSeek authentic fellowship and surround yourself with supportive and encouraging friendsRecognize and celebrate the unique gifts and talents that you possessFocus on your own experiences with God's goodness and reject the pressure to conform to others' interpretations

Summary In this conversation, Melissa and Fernanda discuss the concept of fullness and how it relates to their lives. They talk about the importance of recognizing that the fullness in their lives is a result of the things they have prayed for. They also discuss the idea of not just being busy, but being full, and how changing their perspective has helped them appreciate the abundance in their lives. Fernanda shares her journey of starting her own coaching business and the lessons she has learned about perfectionism and comparison. Melissa reflects on her own journey of stepping into her calling and overcoming rejection. They both emphasize the importance of defining success on their own terms and not comparing themselves to others. In this conversation, Melissa Lapin and Fernanda discuss the importance of embracing imperfection and taking action in pursuit of our dreams. They emphasize the need to have a daily connection with Jesus and to trust in His guidance. They also discuss the significance of understanding our identity and purpose, and the importance of community and partnership. The conversation highlights the need to let go of perfectionism and fear, and to focus on being courageous and showing up authentically. The key takeaway is to step out and take action, even if things are not perfect, and to trust in God's plan and timing.  Takeaways ·         Recognize and appreciate the fullness in your life that is a result of the things you have prayed for.·         Shift your perspective from busyness to fullness and embrace the abundance in your life.·         Don't let perfectionism and comparison hold you back from pursuing your dreams and stepping into your calling.·         Define success on your own terms and focus on being the best version of yourself.·         Be vulnerable and open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your life and business. Embrace imperfection and take action in pursuit of your dreams·         Have a daily connection with Jesus and trust in His guidance·         Understand your identity and purpose·         Value community and partnership·         Let go of perfectionism and fear·         Be courageous and show up authentically

Summary In this episode, Melissa Lapin interviews her friend Kathleen about her journey with God. Kathleen shares her experience growing up in Southern California and attending Catholic church with her mom. She talks about rebelling against her mom's new Baptist church and her own struggles with anger and rebellion. Kathleen also discusses her unplanned pregnancy at 18 and how it led her to seek God and attend church with her mom. She shares a powerful moment of realization and acceptance when her daughter was born on March 16th, which reminded her that her daughter was not a mistake but a blessing. Kathleen shares her experience with attending church and her evolving relationship with religion. She recalls a kind woman who made her feel accepted and loved, and how that influenced her perception of church. Kathleen discusses her journey from Catholicism to exploring different denominations and eventually finding her own path. She talks about the role of prayer and rituals in her faith, as well as the supernatural experiences she has had. Melissa and Kathleen also discuss the challenges and expectations of being a Christian and the different sects within Christianity. In this part of the conversation, Kathleen shares about her journey of surrendering to God and the challenges she faced along the way. She talks about the pain, loneliness, and anger she experienced, as well as the moments of growth and healing. Kathleen also discusses the importance of community and the need to be true to oneself. Despite the difficulties, she ultimately finds a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection with God. In this final part of the conversation, Kathleen shares her journey of finding community and healing through her faith. She talks about the importance of showing up for oneself and the challenges she faced in stepping into her true identity. Melissa emphasizes the need for women to prioritize their own dreams and desires, even while being mothers and wives. They discuss the power of community and the negative impact of societal expectations on women. The conversation ends with a lighthearted exchange and a reminder to embrace oneself and continue growing.Takeaways ·         Growing up in a religious environment doesn't always lead to a personal relationship with God.·         Rebellion and anger can be a result of unresolved issues and disappointments.·         God can use unexpected circumstances, like an unplanned pregnancy, to draw us closer to Him.·         Accepting and embracing God's plan can bring healing and transformation.·         Support and love from others can make a significant impact on someone's faith journey. The influence of kind and accepting individuals in church can have a profound impact on someone's perception of religion.·         One's relationship with religion can evolve and change over time, leading to exploration of different denominations and finding a personal path.·         Prayer and rituals can provide comfort and a sense of connection with a higher power.·         Supernatural experiences can strengthen one's faith and belief in the presence of God.·         The challenges and expectations of being a Christian can vary among different sects and denominations. Surrendering to God can be a difficult and painful process, but it leads to growth and healing.·         Loneliness and anger are common emotions during the journey of surrender.·         Having a supportive community is crucial for spiritual growth and healing.·         Being true to oneself and embracing one's identity is important in the journey of

SummaryIn this episode of After the Well, Melissa Lapin and Donna Rowe discuss their personal experiences with spirituality and encountering God. Donna shares her journey of growing up in a family without a strong religious background and her search for a deeper connection with God. She recounts a pivotal moment at the age of 17 when she felt a profound encounter with God, which brought her peace and a sense of purpose. They also discuss the importance of personal experiences with God and the need for individual exploration and understanding of spirituality. Donna Rowe shares her experiences with cults and the challenges she faced in finding a supportive community after leaving. She discusses the importance of feeling understood and validated, and the difficulties of navigating religious structures and expectations. Donna emphasizes the need for personal growth and transformation, and the journey of rethinking and redefining one's relationship with God. She explores the concept of righteous consciousness and the work of the cross, and the freedom that comes from letting go of religious rules and striving. Donna also mentions her exploration of Trinitarian theology and the hope she has for a new way of experiencing God. In this conversation, Donna Rowe and Melissa Lapin discuss the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit and following His guidance. They emphasize the need to pay attention to where God is leading and what He is teaching in the present moment. They also highlight the significance of studying church history and understanding the early church fathers. The conversation touches on the theme of surrendering to God's quest for knowledge and having a profound relationship with Him. They discuss the freedom that comes from letting go of striving and the fear-based beliefs that have been perpetuated in the church. The conversation concludes with the importance of discerning the spirit behind the messages we hear and seeking a community that fosters safe exploration and growth.TakeawaysPersonal encounters with God can bring peace and a sense of purposeIt is important to explore and understand spirituality on an individual levelHaving a community of like-minded individuals can provide support and understandingReligious upbringing and traditions may not always align with personal experiences of encountering God Finding a supportive community after leaving a cult can be challenging, as many people may not understand or validate your experiences.Navigating religious structures and expectations can be difficult, and it's important to find a community where you can be open and honest about your journey.Personal growth and transformation are essential in redefining your relationship with God and letting go of religious rules and striving.Exploring different theological perspectives, such as Trinitarianism, can lead to a deeper understanding of God and a more authentic faith experience.There is hope for a new way of experiencing God and a restructuring of religious systems that may be polarizing and restrictive. Pay attention to where God is leading and what He is teaching in the present moment.Study church history and understand the early church fathers.Let go of striving and fear-based beliefs in order to experience freedom in Christ.Discern the spirit behind the messages we hear and seek a community that fosters safe exploration and growth.

Summary In this conversation, Melissa Lapin interviews Rod Williams, who shares his journey of faith and the different perspectives he gained from his experiences in various churches and ministries. Rod talks about encountering the love of God through a pastor who made him feel seen and loved. He also discusses his involvement in the Jesus movement and the impact of the charismatic movement on his faith. Rod shares how he experienced a pivotal moment of feeling the presence of God during a difficult time in his life. He emphasizes the importance of being conscious of God's nearness and overcoming shame and guilt. The principal themes of the conversation include the beauty of the body of Christ and working together, the influence of the Holy Spirit, and the importance of embracing both sound doctrine and supernatural experiences. The speakers discuss their personal journeys and encounters with God, highlighting the need to let go of religious and political divisions and embrace love, unity, and individuality within the context of union with God. They emphasize the importance of discerning influences and voices in our lives, focusing on whether they make Jesus bigger or smaller. In this conversation, Rod Williams emphasizes the nearness of God and the unity of the Trinity. He highlights that Jesus is not separate from the Father, but rather, when you see Jesus, you see the Father. Williams challenges the idea that God is distant and angry, and instead presents a loving and merciful God who desires to be close to us. He encourages listeners to focus on Jesus and the Trinity, and to find community and support in their journey of understanding and experiencing God's love.Takeaways -Rod Williams shares his journey of faith and the different perspectives he gained from his experiences in various churches and ministries.-Encountering the love of God through a pastor who made him feel seen and loved was a pivotal moment for Rod.-The Jesus movement and the charismatic movement had a significant impact on Rod's faith, leading him to experience the goodness of God and see miracles.-Rod emphasizes the importance of being conscious of God's nearness and overcoming shame and guilt. The body of Christ is beautiful and it is important to work together in unity.-The Holy Spirit has a powerful influence and can bring about profound encounters with God.-It is important to embrace both sound doctrine and supernatural experiences.-Religious and political divisions can hinder our understanding of God and our ability to love others.-Discerning influences and voices in our lives is crucial, and we should focus on whether they make Jesus bigger or smaller. God is not distant or separate from us; He is near and desires to be close to us.-When we see Jesus, we see the Father and the Holy Spirit. The Trinity is always present and unified.-The early fathers and those who were close to Jesus understood that God is good, loving, and for us.-Fear is not our friend; perfect love casts out fear. We should focus on the love of God and let it cast out our fear.

Summary In this episode, Melissa Lapin interviews her friend Beth Alexander. Beth shares her background and testimony, explaining that she did not grow up in a faith-based household and had limited exposure to church. However, at the age of 19, she had a powerful encounter with Jesus' love and decided to become a Christian. Beth then discusses her journey of navigating the expectations and pressures of religion, as well as her search for purpose and identity. Despite the challenges, she has found peace and confidence in following God's leading. Beth Alexander shares her experience of feeling lost and losing her identity after becoming a Christian and being thrust into a leadership position as a pastor's wife. She struggled with the contradictions and expectations placed on her. However, she had a transformative experience with the Holy Spirit, which led her to discover her purpose in education. Beth became a teacher and eventually had a dream to start her own school. Initially overwhelmed by the idea, she found inspiration during the COVID-19 pandemic when schools went online. Beth realized that her school could be virtual, and she embraced the opportunity. In this conversation, Beth Alexander shares her journey of starting Thalia Academy, an online school that focuses on kingdom values and emotional intelligence. She talks about the challenges she faced as a teacher during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it led her to start her own school. Beth emphasizes the importance of healing and processing past experiences and finding confidence in one's identity. She encourages listeners to step out in faith, even if it seems scary, and to surround themselves with the right people and resources. Beth also highlights the need for individuality and authenticity in a world that often promotes conformity.Takeaways-Beth Alexander did not grow up in a faith-based household and had limited exposure to church.-At the age of 19, Beth had a powerful encounter with Jesus' love and decided to become a Christian.-Beth faced challenges in navigating the expectations and pressures of religion, but ultimately found peace and confidence in following God's leading.-Beth's journey highlights the importance of community and being seen and understood by others. Becoming a Christian and being thrust into a leadership position can lead to a loss of identity and confusion.-Private moments with God are important for personal growth and understanding.-Discovering your purpose may require going through different experiences and seasons of life.-Sometimes, dreams and callings may seem overwhelming, but they can be realized in unexpected ways. Take the time to heal and process past experiences in a healthy way, surrounded by the right people and resources.-Step out in faith, even if it seems scary, and rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.-Embrace your uniqueness and don't conform to societal expectations.-Start with small steps and allow your dream or purpose to grow over time.-Believe in yourself and have confidence in who you are.-Don't be afraid of judgment or failure; just trust God and take action.